The coronavirus outbreak has placed heightened demand on service organizations assisting people affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Residents, businesses and service groups are stepping up to help those agencies providing a variety of services.

Foundation, United Way helps NWI Meals on Wheels 

The Porter County Community Foundation and the United Way of Porter County have pledged $10,000 from their joint emergency response fund to Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana to meals to Porter County seniors during the pandemic.

“Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana’s nutrition program is critical to Porter County, now more than ever,” said Bill Higbie, president and CEO of Porter County Community Foundation. “This donation will help MOWNWI serve Porter County residents throughout the crisis and beyond.”

Kim Olesker, president and CEO of United Way of Porter County, said Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana changes lives in Porter County.

“We appreciate their partnership in bringing nutrition to those who need it, and for stepping up to serve seniors who used to get meals at local senior centers that are now closed,” she said.

Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana delivers 1,300 meals daily to residents in Lake, Porter, Newton, and Jasper counties. Donations to meals on wheels can be made on the organization’s website.

Ivy Tech pledges $500,000 toward COVID-19 relief

Ivy Tech Community College State Board of Trustees member, Marianne Glick, and her spouse, Mike Woods, have committed $500,000 in matching funds across the state for Ivy Tech’s newly established COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist students.

The COVID-19 Relief Fund will provide assistances to campuses in meeting unforeseen challenges, Ivy Tech said. Each Ivy Tech campus will have matching funds available and the funds will be supported by unrestricted charitable donations and gifts at any level to help meet each campus’ needs.

“We wanted to do something to help Ivy Tech students at this challenging time,” Marianne and Mike shared. “We hope this gift will inspire others to open their hearts to enable our students to have access to the resources they need to stay in school and stay healthy.”

Ivy Tech has established a website for its Covid-19 relief fund. Information on how to donate to its fund also is available through the website.